Steve Sabol, an icon in sports television through his work as president of NFL Films, died Tuesday at age 69 after an 18-month bout with brain cancer.

Sabol and his father, Ed, have been widely credited for revolutionizing the way fans viewed the NFL through their work in television and film.

Steve Sabol died Tuesday, 18 months after the NFL Films pioneer was diagnosed with brain cancer. He was 69. (AP Photo)

Ed Sabol, now 96 years old, was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.

From the 1960s until today, Steve Sabol’s work with NFL Films helped capture the league’s history, brought the action into fans’ living rooms and helped popularize the game.

Wiring players for sound, setting action to music and using slow motion to dramatize player movements, were among the techniques Sabol used to perfection.

"Steve Sabol was the creative genius behind the work of NFL Films," said NFL commissioner Roger Goodell in statement. "Steve’s passion for football was matched by his incredible talent and energy. Steve’s legacy will be part of the NFL forever. He was a major contributor to the success of the NFL, a man who changed the way we look at football and sports, and a great friend."

Sabol won more than 40 Emmy Awards and NFL Films has won 107 Emmy Awards.